The Prince of Wales, Prince William, is set to deliver a significant message in schools across the United Kingdom today, focusing on the importance of honouring veterans. In a pre-recorded video message, he emphasizes the need for students to “stop and reflect,” particularly on Armistice Day, which falls on November 11 each year.
The message is part of the Royal British Legion’s annual Remembrance Assembly, aimed at students aged 9 to 14. During his address, Prince William states, “Coming together for Remembrance is a vital way to honour those whose service keeps us safe.” He highlights that Remembrance Day teaches important values such as empathy, resilience, and responsibility.
In his message, the prince recalls, “Even today, as we continue to face a number of conflicts across the world, we honour those who have gone before us, and those who are serving now.” He stresses the significance of remembering those who have served, saying, “Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they remind us to be respectful, kind, brave, and thoughtful every day.”
Connecting Through Remembrance
The Remembrance Assembly is an online learning event accessible via YouTube or Zoom. Prince William urges students to connect with the service in a personal way, asserting, “When we remember, we connect with service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten.”
He elaborates, “It’s not just about the past—it’s about shaping who we become in the future.” The prince’s military experience, alongside his ongoing connections with the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force, informs his understanding of the dedication displayed by military personnel. He notes, “I have seen firsthand the hard work, dedication, and duty the Armed Forces carry out to ensure we are protected.”
The Assembly will also feature insights from current serving military personnel, including RAF Air Commander Fred Wigglesworth and Army Lieutenant Colonel Manpreet Maycock, as well as testimonies from Second World War veterans.
Commemorative Events and Reflections
Later today, Prince William will join King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle for a reception commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This event will honour veterans of the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales will attend the Armistice Day Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. She will join attendees in observing a two-minute silence at 11:00 and lay a wreath in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in military service.
A specially commissioned poem, titled “A Sonnet For Us All” and written by Arji Manuelpillai, the National Memorial Arboretum’s Poet in Residence, will be recited during the service. The poem reflects the significance of personal connections formed through military service, a theme that resonates deeply with the Princess.
As the nation prepares to honour its veterans, Prince William’s message aims to instill values of respect and remembrance among young people, ensuring that the contributions of those who serve are never forgotten.
